History of psychiatry: An Indian perspective

Abstract

A knowledge of history becomes important in learning the way concepts have evolved and how they are understood in different and conflicting traditions in psychiatry. Modern psychiatry and its history has always been observed through the prism of western science which has its own evolutionary line in which the eastern sciences can’t fit and are always at a disadvantage. Especially the colonial bid to prove its legitimacy as a civilizing mission led to representation of European medicine as morally superior to the eastern practices resulting in a biased history. Though in reality, the history of psychiatry is heterogeneous and consists of many different scientific and cultural traditions which vary between populations. hence the Indian concept of “unmada” can’t be compared or conformed to “schizophrenia” without addressing its cultural and historical contexts. Many suggest that in case of Indian patients, an understanding of illness through a Vedantic model of psych seems more appealing in comparison to the western constructs, as such an attitude has been transferred over generations. Therefore, a knowledge of history of psychiatry, especially from an Indian perspective becomes important.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Mental Health Problems in India and the Role of Mental Asylums

“…Over time, mental asylums in India have undergone significant changes and evolution. With advancements in medical understanding and changes in societal attitudes towards mental illness, the approach to care within mental asylums shifted from custodial confinement to a more humane and therapeutic approach [ 29 ].…”

Effectiveness of mental health interventions for older adults in South Asia: A scoping review

“…Likewise, the cultural impact on geriatric mental health is critical in South Asia, especially in light of this region's rampant political and socioeconomic transition since the last century. For example, the cumulative impact and early-life stressors caused by post-colonial sociocultural reforms in India and Pakistan [84,85], postindependence socio-political shifting in Bangladesh [86], the impact of internal conflicts, and political regime changes in Nepal and Sri Lanka [87,88] have exposed older adults to an experience of large-scale socio-political transformation that may have different physical and psychosocial consequences.…”

Historic Precepts and Analysis of Mental Health Legislation in India: Implications for Health Management during Pandemic and Beyond

“…There has been an essence of mental health since the ancient times in India dating back to Rig Veda , which describes sattva, raja and tama as personality traits identifying with mental illness as independent of physical illness. Vedas also provide documentation regarding the treatment for mental disorders ranging from psychosis, epilepsy, sleep disorder and aggression by usage of Bheshaj (medicine) and prayers to God (psychotherapy), along with preventive methods like Yam and Niyam (behavioural control) and Asan and Pranayam (physical activities) (Mishra et al, 2018).…”

“…Sources on Ayurveda like Charak Samhita and Sushrut Samhita also articulate 14 instrumental factors which include immoral behaviour, weak mind, stress, anxiety and substance use to name a few. They also organise mental disorders as Nijmanas rog (endogenous) and Agantujmanas rog (exogenous) with further subdivision of Nijmanas rog into Manas Dosh (psychological) and Sharir Doshanubandh (physical) causation types (Mishra et al, 2018).…”